Pacemaker optimization

Pacemaker Optimization

by Chapter - 2019-02-15 13:52:51

Hi Dave, could you tell me what Optimization is please.  I got my Pacemaker November 2017, at that time my LVEF was  50%, last July it was 42% and now 35%.  I have had all the tests, last one was angiogram that found nice clean arteries, so still have no answer as to why my heart is failing.  Would be nice to be “optimized” maybe 😂😂 - was it just adjustments to Pacer?  Glad it helped you!

Chapter 🌹

Pacemaker optimization

by Dave H - 2019-02-15 14:03:09

Hey Chapter............... Harass your EP!  Optimization consists of you on the table for over an hour, a sonographer recording all the motions of your heart. Then a talented Doc who knows how to "read" an echo and provides intructions to a device nurse. Task is to adjust when the PM "fires" to get the most blood pumped out of each ventricle. Pacemakers "out of the box"  need to be programmed correctly for max efficiency.

optimizing

by Tracey_E - 2019-02-16 08:30:27

Does that work on two lead or just 3 lead? My understanding is they are synchronizing the ventricles, which you can't do on a 2 lead because only one ventricle is paced. 

Pacemaker optimization

by Dave H - 2019-02-16 11:34:50

Hi Tracey! Yeah, I forgot --- my device is a 3 lead. You're correct.

Third lead

by AgentX86 - 2019-02-16 18:51:46

If the LVEF is going down, it's probably a sign that the third lead is needed.

Well Done!

by NiceNiecey - 2019-02-17 05:29:50

Totally worth the trouble, righ? ;=}

Now I can get Optimized

by Chapter - 2019-05-17 11:36:32

I have just returned from appointment with new referral and he is an EP, seems to be a very nice man and easy to talk to.  First time I have sat down and had my medical history outlined to me without a lot of questions, just the facts and he wasn’t looking at a computer screen or reading notes - I found it very comforting.  

Result is that I will be getting synchronized sometime this summer.  It will mean a new Pacemaker as the one I have is just for 2 leads.  I was flattered to hear I am the perfect candidate for the CRT, he probably says that to everyone 😂, but he seems very confident that this will make a big difference for me.  We did not discuss my EF.  Dave did yours get better with the third lead, or at least hold steady?

I am now excited to get this done, unfortunately we will have to travel quite a ways to hospital - so, expensive flights, or 2 days on the road one way, and then accommodations.  Canada has a great medical system, I can’t imagine how many dollars have already been spent on me, so we will just be happy that is all we have to pay.

Chapter 🌹